Non-breathable sealants are commonly thought to help prevent water getting inside of masonry but that’s not exactly the case. Moisture may also enter through something as seemingly harmless as water vapor. Thirdly, water may be absorbed through consistently wet soil (rising damp), which may also relate to water entering the foundation of your home. Secondly, if poor drainage causes water to consistently spill from the roof down over surfaces it will erode the wall, chimney or other brick surfaces over time. One, if rainwater constantly makes a direct hit with surfaces it will eventually begin to degrade brickwork. Watercan lead to spallling in a number of ways. When this process occurs over and over again it puts excessive pressure on masonry, causing it to crack and eventually spall. When temperatures cool down, moisture expands and freezes and when temperatures heat up water thaws and decreases in volume. When too much water becomes trapped inside of masonry structures it causes what is known as the freeze/thaw cycle to occur. Water can erode surfaces and weaken masonry. Many things contribute to spalling bricks, but the most common source of damage is water. That’s why it’s so important to fix the problem as soon as it arises. Once bricks began spalling in one location, it increases the risk surrounding bricks will do the same. If left untreated this condition will worsen until it interferes with the overall stability and safety of a building. Spalling starts off as small cracks that grow into bigger cracks until the entire surface deteriorates. Spalling is when brick masonry begins to deteriorate to the point chunks of brick are falling from the structure.

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